Highland Springs Pet Services, LLC

30/05/2015

Please be careful what flea and tick meds you give your dogs. http://www.wptv.com/money/consumer/trifexis-pet-owners-say-their-dogs-died-after-taking-a-popular-heartworm-preventative

A growing number of pet owners are blaming a popular flea and heartworm preventative for killing their dogs.

26/05/2015

Incredible. The US should be using these rats to help protect our Soldiers at war.

Visit the post for more.

18/05/2015

I don't think we will ever fully understand an animals' ability to transform our lives. They amaze me every day!

Caleb Howard was just 6 years old when a head-on car collision left him with broken bones and a traumatic brain injury. His heartbroken parents weren’t sure how quickly he’d be able to recover — or if he’d make it at all — as much of Caleb’s progress was nearly impossible to recognize. One day,... V…

12/05/2015

This would be amazing!

A new device is about to change the lives of children and adults living with Type 1 diabetes.

07/05/2015

He should have made her wait in her "cool" vehicle. Ridiculous!!!! Go Officer!!!!

This cop teaches a negligent pet owner a lesson she won't soon forget.

13/04/2015

You may think you know all of this already but take a moment and read over the tips offered :)
http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-to-pet-a-dog

Petting a dog isn't as simple as you think. Follow trainer Mikkel Becker's tips on how to pet a dog and you'll have a canine friend for life.

13/04/2015

http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/5-ways-you-are-stressing-your-dog-out

Trainer Mikkel Becker explains what you may be doing to add to your pet's anxiety — and offers advice on dealing with a stressed out dog.

27/03/2015

Put an END to Puppy Mills and Backyard Breeders. EVERY SINGLE PUPPY FROM A PET STORE COMES FROM ONE OF THE ABOVE! NO responsible, respectable breeder would EVER place ANY of their puppies with a pet store...EVER. Know where your puppy comes from. Don't just ask, look for proof. Cute staged photos of a puppy with a fancy background is a MAJOR red flag in my book if that's all they have. Visit the breeder's home, see where the puppies are kept and in what condition, what condition is the mom in and the dad (if he's on site). How often are their bi***es bred beginning at what age and until what age? How many breeding dogs do they have? Can they realistically care for that many dogs providing more than just food, water, shelter? Dogs need, exercise, training, love, attention. They need to be part of a family, not left in a kennel all their lives, no matter how clean, and simply brought out for breeding, showing or what not.

AKC, UKC, CKC, ASCA, KC Registration doesn't mean a whole lot in the grand scheme of things. ANYONE can forge those documents and Puppy Mills and Backyard Breeders are notorious for breeding dogs and using registration papers of deceased dogs and calling them purebreds.

Look into the breed you're considering and find out what health problems are of concern and what clearances are required of the breed at minimum. It's an easy search: http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/breeds.html
Does your breed have any quirks? For examples many breeds such as Australian Shepherds can produce puppies that are blind and/or deaf if both the Sire and Dam are Merles (their color). Also, many breeds carry genetic mutations that can now be tested for. Do not accept a "breeder" telling you health clearances aren't necessary for "pet" dogs.

Be Responsible and let's put an end to Puppy Mills and Backyard Breeders.

17/03/2015

This, 100% sums up the importance of positive reinforcement/force free training! It's talking about humans but as you read the article keep thinking about your interactions with your dog.
"People need feedback. I am not advocating removing employee feedback at companies. In fact, just the opposite. Employees should get feedback early and often. But the feedback should be about how to improve performance instead of what that person isn't doing well. In other words, tell people what you want them to do instead of detailing what they’re doing wrong. If you want someone to do things the right way then you have to tell them what the right way is. "

Give positive feedback to bolster people's confidence... You will create an environment where people understand how to be successful, instead of just understanding that they somehow currently are not..."

https://www.kateheddleston.com/blog/criticism-and-ineffective-feedback

A friend of mine started racing motorcycles a few years back. Motorcycle racing involves having a pit person who helps you tune the motorcycle before, during, and after races—like with car racing. The first year he raced, his pit guy gave classic critical feedback, telling him all the things he was…

16/03/2015

"Just the way these elephants handle this situation, releases stress. How do animals teach - by example and encouragement. If this video doesn't help you understand what force free teaching is all about, then you aren't looking or listening. Animals do not put pain devises on, use pain, or yell. There are many examples like this in the wild. Even among predatory animals and their families. What you get is an animal who feels safe, trusts and is confident - and will teach other animals the same way."
~Diane Garrod

24/02/2015

A few chuckles to start your morning.

09/02/2015

Since I couldn't say it better myself I'll quote Victoria Stilwell, "Video has surfaced of a dolphin trainer kicking, hitting, and yelling at dolphins--and now he's a senior vice president at Georgia Aquarium. Many (including myself) are outraged by the story, but it also reminds me that we have such a long way to go before people feel the same outrage about punishment-based dog training methods. Why the double standard for two highly intelligent species?" https://positively.com/victorias-blog/dog-training-vs-dolphin-training-why-the-double-standard/

A recent dolphin training video has the public outraged. While it seems to be an accepted fact that dolphins are highly intelligent and worthy of humane training, I think the general public is still in the process of accepting the same about their dogs.

06/02/2015

What a fabulous interview and perspective from one of the most well respected Trainers/Behaviorists out there. Please find 30 minutes and take the time to watch this. http://youtu.be/xq27e5hp4_w

Please visit http://www.dogstardaily.com Like me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheZakGeorge Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/zakgeorge

20/01/2015

Positive Gun Dog Trainers are few and far between but I have the honor of knowing one of the best, Tom Aaron. Direct from his business FetchMasters, LLC: "FetchMasters is Leading the Way in Creating Skilled Positive Gun Dog Trainers in the United States

(Please SHARE this information. We need to get the word out.)

Below is an article recently published by Victoria Stilwell's Positively Blog.

Here is information on our June, Three-Part Positive Gun Dog Trainer Series. It will be held in Denver, Colorado, and it consist of three workshops specifically designed to create the next generation of gun dog trainers:

http://www.positivegundogtraining.com/training/workshops/ "

I truly believe the only way for positive gun dog training to gain any kind of ground in this country is by developing good hunting dogs, strong hunt test results and some field trial wins. There are indeed positive trainers already making strides, but the numbers comparatively are very small. This…

05/01/2015

Thought for the day:

30/12/2014

This is a great video showing the various movements of our dogs. Keep in mind that pacing, which is our normal walk, is very un-natural to our four-legged friends and can even, in some dogs, be painful. They move best in "their" walk or a trot which means we either need to slow down or pick up the pace. (Summarized from Kay Lawrence)

Showing different gaits of a variety of dogs.

13/12/2014

Because I need some happy tonight after some bad news. The beginning is just Cali being a goofball but at minute 2:40 you'll notice her eyes and expression start to change and minute 2:48 another change in expression and THAT is her alert face. Her alert as you see is also to excessively lick but notice how before she was gently licking me and when she went into alert mode the licks turned more intense and with purpose.

http://youtu.be/ABx6aVdTzq0?list=UUHN6a-29AvDYO0YYYxvOjog

Service Dog Cali was getting some energy out before bed and alerted during playtime. Service Dogs can play and have fun just like any pet dog and still do th...

04/12/2014

Here at Highland Springs Pet Services LLC we are honor to win the 2014 Best of Colorado Springs Award in the Business Services category by the Colorado Springs Award Program. Part of winning is, "...determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Colorado Springs Award Program and data provided by third parties..." and also covers from years past so we've been on their radar. Thank you to all my clients and for whoever nominated us for this award; we are honored.

02/12/2014

Service Dog In-Training Kenzie is becoming one smart dog. The other day I came home and she immediately brought me my meter (something I have not taught her). I asked her if I needed to check and she became quite excited. I checked my blood sugar and was 76. She's trained to alert to 80 or below. Good Low Kenzie...Teacher's Pet ;) !!

22/11/2014

22/11/2014

What do our dogs really think about us? http://mic.com/articles/104474/brain-scans-reveal-what-dogs-really-think-of-us?utm_source=huffingtonpost.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pubexchange_facebook

Thanks to recent advances in neuroscience, we now know what’s going on in the brain of a dog.

21/11/2014

Working with Diabetic Alert Dog In-Training "Stella" through a real-time low. These are always great training opportunities if it's safe at the time, for the diabetic. http://youtu.be/hZF_vpJACnk

Diabetic Alert Service Dog In-Training "Stella" is learning to be more concise about her alert signal (a nose nudge to the thigh or knee). Her default is to ...

11/11/2014

Kenzie McWright of Highland Springs born 11/11/12. Today 1/6/13 we begin out journey together. Kenzie will be trained as my Servie Dog.

01/11/2014

Because I like to educate you all on canine body language you tell me. Does, "this dog [have] no problem with the new baby in the home."? What are your observations? Without giving just a yes or no, why do you think that way? Look forward to your interpretations and observations.

http://kdvr.com/2014/10/31/watch-babys-first-crawl-has-a-very-heartwarming-finish/

A new baby can be a stressful time for the family dog. But a dad posted a video of his daughter's first crawl that shows this dog has no problem with the new baby in the home. “Labs are the best fa...

18/10/2014

Can any of you spot the stress and anxiety signals this dog is giving off? In a couple days I'll add my observations so if you're curious add a comment so you get notified when I comment.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY ADVOCACY & EDUCATION ~SM~

This is not cute and the dog in this picture is showing signs of stress and anxiety which can lead to bites. Learn how to protect your child and your dog by educating yourself on how to teach your children to act around animals!

07/10/2014

This is the best thing I've seen all day!! Too cute

27/09/2014

RECALL: Here's another one in less than 16 hours. Please share these notices with family and friends and let's keep our furry family safe!
http://slimdoggy.com/bravo-pet-food-recall-september-2014/

Blog post at SlimDoggy : Pet food manufacturer Bravo is recalling select lots of Bravo Turkey and Chicken pet foods for dogs and cats because they have the potential[..]

27/09/2014

RECALL: This recall has NOT been announced to the public so please share this with your friends and family.
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recall/kong-aussie-sticks-recall/

Complete details of the Kong Aussie Sticks dog treats recall posted by the editors of the Dog Food Advisor

17/09/2014

I've said this for a long time; the most common age that dogs are abandoned in shelters is between 6-10 months of age. Why? Because the dog suddenly became a teenager and the owner feels at a loss.

But did you know; in a recent study conducted by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), they concluded that 96% of dogs that are abandoned and/or given to animal shelters had NOT received any obedience training? And 56% of all dogs who enter animal shelters are euthanized!

Something as simple as obedience training can save a dog's life. Help me make a change in people's mindset. We make lists of required supplies when we get a dog and that list usually includes Vaccinations; let's add to that list...Obedience Training and Socialization and flip that statistic, upside-down!

Here at Highland Springs Pet Services we offer obedience and manners training as well as Service Dog Training. Check out our page and website and give us a call today!

21/07/2014

More facts about Service Dogs!

A special poster for a special lady

20/07/2014

This is very true of every Service Dog Team.

This one I struggled with a bit. I really like to keep these posters positive and simple. This sort of goes against both those ideals. Still it's a really important one and it needs to be said! I know a lot of handlers will appreciate this one :) Really though, I know it can be hard not to get excited when you see a Service Dog out working. Do remember they're not your everyday pets, they're considered highly trained medical equipment. I know that can sound a bit harsh to some, but as we all should know by now these dogs are LOVED! Just help others think about their words before they go blurting out something that can really upset a lot of handlers to hear. Even I get a bit tired of this one some days :/

As always please share, tag, like, comment! All that good stuff These posters are made to help EVERYONE! They can't help anyone, if they're just sitting here on Musa's page ;D Get the message out there and help to educate people, these dogs are our lifelines. There's some simple dos and don'ts when it comes to interacting with them. Plus some common myths about them that we're here to bust!

Of course, if you'd like a poster for your dog, just send me some photos I'm happily doing these for free, so there's no cost for you! Helps me if they're very simple backgrounds and even better if the dog is more off to one side or in the corner. If you have any preference for the info that goes with the photo, just let me know and I'll do my best :)

Saving the best of last of course :D Thank you to Raina and Diesel for sharing :D Sorry for the wait guys. I will have more of Diesel on the way and some of Harley as well. So keep an eye out :)

19/07/2014

Read this great interview of the Original & Force-Free Dog Whisperer, Paul Owens. Plus, get your chance to win Paul's complete Dog Training collection!
http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-whisperer-training-paul-owens-interview

Also, enter to win a complete collection of the reward-based dog-trainer's e-books and DVDs.

07/05/2014

A wonderful graphic of grooming and the importance of keeping their coat well brushed AND not shaving double-coated breeds.